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National 4‑H Conference is a special meeting hosted by USDA. The purpose of the conference is to bring together youth and adults to help with strategic planning for the 4‑H Program nationally. The event is attended by approximately 250 young people from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. The event is held at the National 4‑H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland for one week during the end of March or the beginning of April. Participants spend most of their time at the 4‑H Center working in committees discussing ideas and issues. The results of all the discussions is a strategic plan for 4‑H along with special plans and projects for individual states. During the event participants will also have an opportunity to visit Congressional Representatives. Delegates are expected to return home and implement their state plan during the upcoming 4‑H year.

New Jersey sends six 4‑H members and two adult advisors to National 4‑H Conference. All interested 4‑H members must complete an application form and participate in an interview at the state level. Potential delegates must be in the 10-12 grade at the time of the application (fall).

The 2019 National 4-H Conference will take place 3/28-4/2, 2020

Applications are due October 3, 2019

For more information and application materials, see National 4-H Conference

About the author

Dave is the 4-H Senior Program Coordinator for the Sussex County 4-H program.